Explore the world through my lens

Pleasant Surprise

You visualize a photograph and arrive at the location only to have the weather conditions throw a curveball, instead of a gorgeous sunset you’re faced with thick clouds. That’s happened to me plenty of times and as I have done before, I simply adjusted my expectations and took some photos. Thinking, who knows perhaps one of the photos will turn-out. My recent image posted on IG of downtown Hartford is an example.

Downtown Hartford70 mm, f/16, 1s, ISO 100

I had wanted to capture the buildings and city lights along the Connecticut River set against a beautiful clear blue evening sky after sunset. Checking the weather forecast before I left work to take photographs, I knew to expect clouds instead. Nonetheless, I still drove to Great River Park in East Hartford and found a location for my composition. Using my 24-70 mm f/2.8 lens I decided to grab an image of the Connecticut Science Center and Gold Building. I also noticed that some of the trees along the Connecticut River still had some yellow autumn leaves that would complement my image. I also took several long exposures to smooth out a high flowing Connecticut River to hopefully enhance my photograph.

I downloaded the photos the next day and made some quick Lightroom adjustments. However, that feeling that I didn’t get the shot I planned impacted my decision to set aside this photograph. A few days ago I was reviewing my images taken the last few weeks a came across the photo and upon a second look, I decided it was pretty decent. I made some more adjustments and posted it on IG. It turned out to be a popular photo, a very pleasant surprise. Fortunately, I took a second look as I usually do. It’s that second look that provides fresh eyes and in this case settling aside the disappointment of not getting that initial image that I visualize.